Tiling around and above Windows: how?

[Matthias]

I started my job, see pictures below.

I just wanted to answer one of my own questions, in case someone else is searching for this info later. I asked how I can polish the edge of the porcelain tile I have. Tom is right that adding a bullnose to it would make the edge stand out more, since the polished part would not be glazed. I found that if I hold the edge of the tile against the side of the blade of my tile saw, it will grind off the ridges (see pics in earlier posting) and create a nice, polished edge.

It'll be a few more weekends before I'm done.

Matthias

[fosters351]

another question for you T-Hulse. The tile around those windows looks great by the way. I have a window to tile and I'm not sure about a few things. I'll be doing it exactly how you have it in those pics. Did you miter the tiles on the jamb in the corners or are they just 90 degree edge?? I posted a question today about applying redgard (poor installation) . I already have the backer on the jamb but I'm not sure about caulking the cbu jamb joints or taping and thinset or both. If you have a chance and could take a gander at that post I'd appreciate it. Thanks ray

[T_Hulse]

Matthias it looks great. Keep up the good work.

Ray those are just plain 90's. I answered your other post on your thread.

[Matthias]

... so here are some more. I made good progress. Only a few tiles above the window left to do. I did one window and found that I have to support the tile somehow. Tape alone does not to the trick, because it pulls off the ceiling. So I wedged a piece of wood in between the jambs as temporary support.

The tile is super hard. I went through one porcelain MK "Hot Dog" blade already. I had to replace it when it would not make straight cuts anymore. The the saw kept pulling in one direction.

Nuff said.

[Matthias]

Well, almost. I still need to find towel racks that I like, but otherwise the bathroom is done. We've been using it for a while now. Here's a picture of the finished bath. I'm quite happy with it. Thanks to all of you who contributed by giving me advice. I learned a lot.

The first little surprise was how after just a couple of months the water volume decreased. Turns out that the filter sieves in the water mixer were already quite full with debris that was in the pipes. But I guess this is for another forum...

Matthias

[Matthias]

Blast from the past. A final update on this project: I held up well for 7 years, then the house got torn down and replaced with a new one in 2013. From what I could see during deconstruction/demo, everything was watertight. The pebble floor was nice to feel on the feet while taking a shower. The only issue was red discoloration of the grout from algae. Keeping the grout clean was more work than I cared for.

[cx]

Welcome back, Matthias.

Well, if your shower lasted as long as your house, I suppose we'll hafta call it a success, even though 7 years is not much of a test for a shower.